Crate or kennel training is a very useful tool to assist in training your puppy and provides a safe haven for him.  The process of crate training can be difficult for the humans put in the end provides necessary supports and headaches down the road.  a 100 lb puppy unattended with free range can do a lot of damage in a short amount of time.  Here are some tips to help with crate training your puppy.

 

1.  Never use the crate as a punishment.  Do not put him in time outs or be angry when putting them in the crate.  It should be a positive experience for the pup.

 

2.  Selecting an appropriate crate.  I recommend people to get the Giant size crate.  If you think you will save money by buying a smaller one well guess again they will outgrow it in a hurry.  

 

3.  Once you have purchased your crate their should be just enough room in it to stand up turn around and lay down.  If their is anymore room than that they may use the bathroom (see potty training for more info).

 

4.  Exposing your pup to its kennel.  Make it positive I usually start by feeding the puppy in the kennel.  Each time they go in it give them praise verbal and touch also reward them with a favorite treat.  When putting your pup in the kennel use a verbal prompt like "kennel up".

 

5.  It can be helpful to have an article of clothing of its owner or from its litter for famaliar smells that will help the pup feel comfortable.   (Be careful with blankets and clothing as some pups may chew on them and may actually eat them).

 

6.  Routine Routine Routine.....Get your pup in a routine specific times to go to the kennel and be consistant.  Dogs like humans thrive on routines.  

 

7,  A kong filled with the pups favorite treat helps keep them occupied while in the crate.  I like peanut butter because they really have to work to get to it and they love it.

 

8.  As the owner you are usually the biggest barrier for successful crate training.  A pup may whine initially while getting use to the crate.  You have to resist running to them.  You need to ignore that behavior because any attention, verbal or physical will reinforce the behavior.  If they are whining for more than 5 minutes I will let them out with a verbal command to go "outside".  Then once outside a command of "potty"  I will give them time to use the bathroom then back to the crate.  I find playing music and covering the crate with a blanket helps as well.  Have the crate in area that is positive in the living room or bedroom and have the door open so the pup can access it at all times.  Put his favoriet chew toy or bone in there.  I will often only let them chew on their bone in their crate while I am home.  This gets use to them being in their kennel when you are home and makes it a positive experience.

 

9.  Be patient, loving, and consistent and follow the above guidelines and it will help to make crate training a little bit easier.